Rationalists will challenge magic talk at PGI

When he takes his place behind the mike for the Saturday talk at the PGI, famous astrologer P Khurrana, who claims to be an expert in black magic, may get more than he bargained for. At least two major associations of rationalists have vowed to attend the talk, for which the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) has already faced flak. The D-day now looks set to be hotter than imagined, as the rationalists will challenge Khurrana's claims on the spot.

When he takes his place behind the mike for the Saturday talk at the PGI, famous astrologer P Khurrana, who claims to be an expert in black magic, may get more than he bargained for. At least two major associations of rationalists have vowed to attend the talk, for which the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) has already faced flak. The D-day now looks set to be hotter than imagined, as the rationalists will challenge Khurrana's claims on the spot.

A press release issued by Narendra Nayak, president of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations, said, "Khurrana's talk is against the Constitution of India, which states that it is the duty of every citizen of India to develop scientific temper and the spirit of enquiry." Nayak is a teacher of biochemistry at the Centre for Basic Sciences, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. These days, he happens to be in Chandigarh to conduct training programmes for activists and teachers.

"Here we have the most prestigious medical research institute of this country inviting a quack to address the faculty and students," said Nayak. "I will attend this meet and ask some questions on black magic after listening to his lecture."

He's not alone. In a separate statement, Jaswant Mohali of the Rationalist Society, Punjab, said he and his associates had challenged Khurrana many times in the past, but the astrologer could never predict "even an iota". "Our challenges still stand, and we will challenge him again on Saturday at the PGI," Jaswant said.

D-Day is hereThe notice issued by PGI director Dr YK Chawla says that astrologer P Khurrana will speak on 'astrology, dharma and medical science' for the September 1 Saturday talk. The PGI administration on Friday sent a group message to all employees to attend the talk. The institute has also got prepared a commemorative plaque carrying the PGI official logo that would be given to Khurrana.